U.S. patent application number 10/655606 was filed with the patent office on 2005-03-10 for call forwarding control device and method of call management.
This patent application is currently assigned to SBC Knowledge Ventures, L.P.. Invention is credited to Bridges, J. Bradley, Pearson, Larry B..
Application Number | 20050054335 10/655606 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34226158 |
Filed Date | 2005-03-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050054335 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pearson, Larry B. ; et
al. |
March 10, 2005 |
Call forwarding control device and method of call management
Abstract
In a particular embodiment, the disclosure is directed to a
device that includes a proximity sensor, a network interface, and a
module. The proximity sensor determines the proximity of a mobile
device. The module is coupled to the network interface and is
coupled to the proximity sensor. The module is configured to
receive a signal from the proximity sensor indicating whether the
mobile device is in proximity to the proximity sensor. The module
is configured to transmit a call forwarding control signal via the
network interface. The call forwarding control signal is associated
with a landline phone number.
Inventors: |
Pearson, Larry B.; (San
Antonio, TX) ; Bridges, J. Bradley; (San Antonio,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TOLER & LARSON & ABEL L.L.P.
5000 PLAZA ON THE LAKE STE 265
AUSTIN
TX
78746
US
|
Assignee: |
SBC Knowledge Ventures,
L.P.
|
Family ID: |
34226158 |
Appl. No.: |
10/655606 |
Filed: |
September 4, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
455/417 ;
455/414.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M 2203/1091 20130101;
H04M 3/54 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/417 ;
455/414.1 |
International
Class: |
H04M 003/42 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A device comprising: a proximity sensor for determining the
proximity of a mobile device; a landline telecommunications network
interface; and a module coupled to the landline telecommunications
network interface and coupled to the proximity sensor, the module
configured to receive a signal from the proximity sensor, the
module configured to transmit a call forwarding control signal via
the landline telecommunications network interface in response to
the signal from the proximity sensor, the call forwarding control
signal being associated with a landline telephone address
associated with the landline telecommunications network
interface.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the signal indicates whether the
mobile device is in proximity to the proximity sensor.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the landline telecommunications
network interface is coupled to a public switched telephone
network.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein the call forwarding control
signal comprises a flash hook call transfer.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the call forwarding control
signal comprises a call forwarding activation signal.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein the call forwarding control
signal comprises a call forwarding deactivation signal.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein the proximity sensor is
incorporated into a mobile device recharging device.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein the proximity sensor is
incorporated into an answering machine.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein the proximity sensor is
incorporated into a telephone.
10. The device of claim 1, wherein the proximity sensor detects the
mobile device wirelessly.
11. The device of claim 1, wherein the landline telecommunications
network interface is coupled to a short message service compatible
network.
12. The device of claim 1, wherein the call forwarding control
signal is a short message service compatible message.
13. The device of claim 1, wherein the landline telecommunications
network interface is coupled to an Internet.
14. The device of claim 1, wherein the call forwarding control
signal comprises an internet protocol compatible data packet.
15. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a user interface
coupled to the module, the module configured to receive a
forwarding telephone number from the user interface.
16. A call forwarding control device comprising: a proximity sensor
for determining whether a mobile phone is proximate to the
proximity sensor; a public switched telephone network interface;
and a module coupled to the public switched telephone network
interface and coupled to the proximity sensor, the module
configured to communicate with the proximity sensor to determine
whether the mobile phone is proximate to the proximity sensor, the
module configured to transmit a call forwarding control signal via
the public switch telephone network interface.
17. The call forwarding control device of claim 16, wherein the
call forwarding control signal comprises a call forwarding
activation when the mobile phone is determined to not be proximate
to the proximity sensor.
18. The call forwarding control device of claim 16, wherein the
call forwarding control signal comprises a call forwarding
deactivation when the mobile phone is determined to be proximate to
the proximity sensor.
19. A method of call management, the method comprising: determining
whether a mobile device is proximate to a proximity sensor; sending
a call control signal using a control module via a network
interface, the call control signal comprising a call forwarding
activation upon detecting that the mobile device is proximate to
the proximity sensor, the call control signal comprising a call
forwarding deactivation upon detecting that the mobile device is
not proximate to the proximity sensor.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising receiving an
incoming call.
21. The method of claim 19, further comprising receiving a
forwarding number from a user interface.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD OF DISCLOSURE
[0001] This disclosure, in general, relates to a call forwarding
control device and methods for call management.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In an increasingly mobile society, mobile telephones and
telecommunications devices have become ubiquitous. Cell phones and
other mobile telecommunications devices offer the ability to be in
contact or reachable at all times. However, users of cell phones
typically have more than one phone number at which they may be
reached. For example, cellular telephone users may also have a
landline phone number for their home or office.
[0003] In a typical situation, a caller may attempt one of several
numbers in an attempt to reach an individual. For example, a caller
may call a home number then a cell number or office number. This
added effort wastes time and telephony resources.
[0004] To save time many callers will call a cell phone or mobile
telecommunications device number first. But, receiving a call on a
cell phone is more expensive than receiving a phone call on the
user's landline phone.
[0005] Some service providers have implemented a service in which
different numbers provided by the user are attempted until the user
answers. However, callers may become frustrated while waiting
through several attempts to connect to the user through different
numbers. As such, an improved method for managing phone calls would
be desirable.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[0006] FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a call management
system.
[0007] FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 3 depict exemplary embodiments of call
management devices.
[0008] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary method for call
management.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary system for call management. The
system depicts an exemplary customer premise equipment system that
provides automated call forwarding. When a user is at home or at
the office, calls should be received at the user's landline
telephone. However, when away from the landline telephone, the user
may receive calls using their mobile phone or cellular phone.
Generally, when a user is proximate to one network address, calls
or data are routed to that network address and when the user is not
proximate to the network address, calls or data are routed to an
alternate address.
[0010] In one particular embodiment, a customer premise device
associated with the landline location detects the presence of the
user by detecting the presence of a mobile device associated with
the user. When the user is proximate to the landline location,
calls and data addressed to the landline address are received at
the landline. However, when the user is not proximate to the
landline location, calls and data addressed to the landline are
forwarded or redirected to an alternate address, such as a mobile
telephone. For example, the device may send flash-hook forward
commands to forward an incoming call or #-commands to manipulate
call redirection parameters at the service control point or service
switch point.
[0011] In FIG. 1, the system includes a proximity sensor 102 and a
call forwarding module 104. The proximity sensor 102 is coupled to
or communicates with the call forwarding module 104. The proximity
sensor 102 detects whether a mobile device 112 is proximate to the
proximity sensor 102. The proximity sensor 102 communicates this
result to the call forwarding module 104. The call forwarding
module uses this information to determine whether to activate or
deactivate call forwarding. For example the call forwarding module
104 may communicate through a network 106 to a server or database
108 that controls call forwarding.
[0012] In one exemplary embodiment, the proximity sensor 102 and
call forwarding module 104 are built into a landline communications
device, such as a landline telephone system or answering machine.
In alternate embodiments, the proximity sensor 102 and call
forwarding module 104 may be built into a cell phone charger or
stand-alone device. In each of these exemplary embodiments, the
call forwarding module 104 is connected to a network 106, such as a
public switch telephone network (PSTN). The call forwarding module
104 may activate or deactivate call forwarding using a flash
command or pound sign command, for example, as permitted by the
functionality of the network and associated server systems 108. An
exemplary server system 108 is a service control point (SCP) in an
advanced intelligent network (AIN) as commonly used in telephony
infrastructure.
[0013] In these exemplary embodiments, when the mobile device 112
is proximate to the proximity sensor 102, the call forwarding
module 104 may deactivate call forwarding and receive calls at a
landline phone. Alternately, when the mobile device 112 is not
proximate to the proximity sensor 102, the call forwarding module
014 may activate call forwarding on an associated landline to an
alternate number.
[0014] The mobile device 112 may be a cellular telephone, mobile
phone or other mobile telecommunications device. Alternately, the
mobile device 112 may be a keychain fob, smart card, or other
device that would indicate the presence of an individual.
[0015] The proximity sensor 102 may determine the presence of the
mobile device 112, by use of radio frequency transmissions,
infrared or other light based transmissions, or ultrasonic
transmissions. For example, the proximity sensor may utilize short
range networking standards such as Bluetooth.RTM. or 802.11. In
alternate embodiments, the proximity sensor may communicate with
the mobile device 112 using short message service messages. The
proximity sensor 102 may alternately listen to control channels of
mobile telecommunications systems. In another alternate embodiment,
the proximity sensor may detect a radio frequency beacon. In other
embodiments, the proximity sensor may use a contact sensor,
infrared detection system, or sonic detection system.
[0016] FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 3 depict exemplary embodiments of call
management devices. FIG. 2A depicts an exemplary mobile
telecommunications device charger. A mobile telecommunications
device such as a cell phone or mobile telephone 202 may be placed
in a charger 204. The charger may be connected to an electric
outlet through a power line 206. In addition, the charger may be
connected to a public switch telephone network through a telephone
line 208. When the mobile telecommunications device 202 is in
contact with the charger 204, the call forwarding module may
selectively send a call forwarding deactivation signal to the
public switch telephone network to direct incoming calls to an
associated landline at that landline address. When the mobile
telecommunications device is removed from the charger 204, the
charger 204 may selectively activate call forwarding by sending a
call forwarding message to the public switch telephone network,
effectively forwarding calls directed to an associated landline
address to an alternate address such as the mobile
telecommunications device 202. A call forwarding module within the
charger 204 may be provided with the call forwarding number through
communication with the cell phone 202. In alternate embodiments,
the charger 204 may be provided with a user interface or may
utilize the number entry interface of other telephones connected to
or associated with the landline address. Such a user interface
allows a user to enter a phone number for use by the call
forwarding module.
[0017] In another exemplary embodiment, FIG. 2B depicts answering
machine 210. The answering machine 210 may include a proximity
sensor and a call forwarding module. The answering machine may be
connected to a power supply through transmission line 212 and a
landline phone network through telephone line 214. The answering
machine 210 may, for example, detect the proximity of a mobile
device through a radio frequency communication method. The
answering machine 210 may then selectively activate or deactivate
call forwarding of calls to the landline address of the line 214
based on detection of a mobile device within a specified proximity
of the answering machine 210.
[0018] FIG. 3 depicts an alternate embodiment of a beacon
transceiver device 302 connected to a landline telecommunications
system, through line 304. The beacon device may be a low power
radio frequency or infrared device that utilizes power from the
telecommunications system. The device 302 may detect proximity to a
mobile device, such as a cell phone or key fob, through a radio
frequency communication. Alternately, the device 302 may listen to
control signals communicated between a mobile device and a remote
mobile telecommunications network. The device 302 may selectively
communicate with the public switch telephone network to activate or
deactivate call forwarding of calls addressed to the landline
address of line 304 based on detection of a proximate mobile
device.
[0019] FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary method for managing call
forwarding. The method may be activated upon receipt of an incoming
call to a landline address. Alternately, the method may be
activated periodically. For example, a system may detect an
incoming call directed to a landline address, as shown at step 402.
The system may detect a proximity to the mobile device, as shown at
step 404. Based on the proximity of the mobile device, as shown at
step 406, call forwarding of the landline telephone may be
deactivated. For example, when the mobile device is proximate to
the proximity sensor, as shown in step 410, a call forwarding
deactivation message may be transmitted. Alternately, call
forwarding may be activated for the landline address, as shown at
step 408. The call forwarding activation or deactivation may
utilize a flash-hook command or a pound (#) command. For example,
in some geographic telephone regions, 72# or 73# input, may
activate or deactivate call forwarding.
[0020] In a particular embodiment, the disclosure is directed to a
device that includes a proximity sensor, a network interface, and a
module. The proximity sensor determines the proximity of a mobile
device. The module is coupled to the network interface and is
coupled to the proximity sensor. The module is configured to
receive a signal from the proximity sensor indicating whether the
mobile device is in proximity to the proximity sensor. The module
is configured to transmit a call forwarding control signal via the
network interface. The call forwarding control signal is associated
with a landline phone number.
[0021] In another embodiment, the disclosure is directed to a call
forwarding control device. The call forwarding control device
includes a proximity sensor, a public switch telephone network
interface, and a module. The proximity sensor determines whether a
mobile phone is proximate to the proximity sensor. The module is
coupled to the public switch telephone network interface. The
module is coupled to the proximity sensor. The module is configured
to communicate with the proximity sensor to determine whether the
mobile phone is proximate to the proximity sensor. The module is
configured to transmit a call forwarding control signal via the
public switch telephone network interface.
[0022] In a further embodiment, the disclosure is directed to a
method of call management. The method includes determining whether
a mobile device is proximate to the proximity sensor, and sending a
call control signal using a control module via a network interface.
The call control signal comprises or includes a call forwarding
activation if the mobile device is not proximate to the proximity
sensor. The call control signal includes a call forwarding
de-activation signal if the mobile device is proximate to the
proximity sensor.
[0023] The above disclosed subject matter is to be considered
illustrative, and not restrictive, and the appended claims are
intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other
embodiments which fall within the true spirit and scope of the
present invention. Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the
scope of the present invention is to be determined by the broadest
permissible interpretation of the following claims and their
equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by the
foregoing detailed description.
* * * * *